Caroline Harker will reprise her role as Mother alongside Downton Abbey star Jeremy Swift in Mike Kenny’s Olivier Award-winning adaptation of The Railway Children at the King’s Cross Theatre this Christmas.
The critically acclaimed production, which will open in a new purpose-built auditorium complete with railway tracks and platforms behind King’s Cross Station, arrives in the capital from 16 December.
Harker, who returns to the role of Mother following her performance in the 2010 production at Waterloo Station, was last seen on the London stage in Pride And Prejudice at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Her other stage credits include Tusk Tusk at the Royal Court and All Mouth at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
Swift, who is currently appearing as Dame Maggie Smith’s on screen butler Spratt in everyone’s favourite ITV period drama, will play Mr Perks in the production. He returns to the stage following performances in The Family Plays and Honeymoon Suite at the Royal Court.
Harker and Swift are joined in the cast by Louise Calf, Jack Hardwick and Serena Manteghi as the three children, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis, alongside Clare Corbett, Mark Hawkins, Connie Hyde, Andrew Loudon, Blair Plant and Moray Treadwell.
Based on E Nesbit’s classic novel, The Railway Children tells the story of Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis, who move with their mother to the Yorkshire countryside where they befriend a railway porter and embark on a magical journey of discovery, friendship and adventure.
Damian Cruden’s production, which began life at the York Theatre Royal in 2008, is famous for featuring a 60-tonne steam locomotive and gentlemen’s carriage. It is currently booking at the King’s Cross Theatre until 1 March.